Port Aransas or North Padre Island?
 

Planning a short Texas road trip in the hill country and would like to drive down the coast near Corpus Christi and spend two nights. I've been to Port Aransas but never stayed there -- same with Padre Island out of Corpus Christi.

Is there any lodging out on North Padre? Any recommendations for places in Port Aransas? Any opinions on which would be better? My only interest is beach -- not fishing.

*No need to comment on the quality of Texas beaches; I am totally aware.

Thanks!

Jayne, despite living in Dallas for close to two decades (from Dallas we vacationed in Destin), and now in San Antonio, I have never seen the Texas coast, but I have heard what everyone else has to say about it.

Imagine my surprise this morning when turning on my computer and seeing MSN's homepage and finding that South Padre is listed as one of MSN's editors top 10 beaches in the US!! http://southpadreisland.citysearch.c..._0_profile_0_1 Turquoise water and white sand? Texas?? Now I want to go see for myself. Give us a trip report when you get back, OK?

ttt

OO: South Padre (on the tip of Texas near Harlingen) IS really nice and I've been down there several times. The area I am considering for this trip is near Corpus Christi. Based on some Web exploring, there seem to be lots of "cottages" in Port Aransas and one description said it had a Key West feel. I've never been to Key West, but it kind of sounded neat.
Years ago I used to go to Padre Island outside of Corpus Christi but I don't remember much if any lodging.

I was hoping someone could give me some opinions about Port Aransas or somewhere nearby for a good two-night beach experience int the Corpus area.

Port Aransas is my favourite Texas coastal town. Usually stay at Sandcastle condos, which are on the beach, a bit removed from downtown. Great biking, great seafood (buy shrimp off the boats), great fishing in the Gulf or off the pier. Nicest thing is the people - laid back, friendly .. Can you tell I'm planning a trip back????

That's good to hear, dfrizzell. Any suggestions for the best restaurants (especially seafood)? Also, do you know anything about a dolphin watch tour?

Jayne -

We did a guided kayak tour through the shipping channel to the old lighthouse and into some canals. On our way in, our guide noticed a pod of dolphins and manuevered us very efficiently towards them. We kayaked alongside them for a while.

I wish I could remember the man's name...my husband found him in town. He ran his business from his home in Port A. Oh yeah - should mention, we were in Port A.

We stayed at a small place located right on the beach road called Sandollar Sity. They have two cottages for rent and a few rooms.

Interesting comments! My sister has lived in Key West for 25 years and recently asked me if in all my travels I'd come across a town anything like it - I immediately said Port Aransas! Not the touristy T^-shirt places or anything like that, just the "feel" of the place, being able to travel by bike, etc.

That's interesting, Postal. I really need to check this place out. All I remember about it was some little shack-like houses and the beach. I really don't think I ever explored the town at all. We are definitely spending a couple of nights, so if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

I don't know of any lodging in north padre but there are tons of condo rentals in port a, plus a few motels. i would recommend looking into the aransas princess, the sea gull and port royale. all are condos and all are right on the beach, so you can walk from your room onto the beach.

the best restaurant in port a is beulah's. i'd suggest you drive over to rockport one day too. you will drive via the ferry which is unique, and rockport has charming shops and good restaurants. it's more of a fishing town rather than a beach town.

have fun!

Thanks, Texaslady, for the tips. I need to get busy because I will be there in less than two weeks! We'll be sure to check out Beulah's.

I don't know about North Padre Island but I have been to Port A. many times.
The Beach Head Condos are nice. There is another...can't think of the name. I'll let you know.
I've often seen dolphins swimming quite close to the ferry.

Just thought I'd say that I'm planning a trip to Port A. with my 2 boys to go deep sea fishing. They've never had that experience. I can't wait!

Does anyone know anything about Beachhead condos?

Jayne, I love Port Aransas - it's a quaint, quiet little place, although more and more people seem to be discovering it.

Haven't stayed at the Beachhead. I can tell you that the beach itself is nicest on the edge of town, closer to Mustang Island Park.

On one visit we stayed at the Mayan Princess. They were nice, and I like that part of the island best, but that was 10 years ago. Don't know if the quality has been maintained.

We use a friends condo now -- nothing special, but hey -- it's free!

Good luck!

I happen to have a phone # for The Beachhead --1-800-688-1217.

I actually just booked the Beachhead. They were very accomodating and I was surprised to find out they had maid service. Some of the condos don't if you are only staying a couple of nights. The price was right, too.

Have you seen their website? www.beachheadcondos.com
Have fun!

Yes, it looks very homey. I'm anxious to explore Port Aransas and will report when I get back. Thanks for all the help!

Oh, another question: I checked out Beulah's online and it's a little too expensive for our budget this time. What are some other good places (especially for seafood)that are more reasonable?